Death | Andrew Maddox | Chasing the Wind

Wednesday marked the third funeral I’ve attended this year. Mrs. Maxcine Sanders died in her sleep on Thanksgiving. She was 63.
All three of the people that died were Christians. Every funeral was filled with unabashed proclamation of Jesus Christ followed by a confident assertion that we know where they are. We are sorrowful that they died, but we know they are now alive. The vestiges of humanity have been stripped…
But it makes me think: what is it like going to a funeral of an atheist? Hope? I doubt it. Peace? No way. Assurance? Not so much. What is the content of the funeral? Happy memories of their life and the realization of that they are gone. Forever.
What a sad way to live. And a sadder way to die.

One thought on “Death”

Religion serves as supreme consolation, it offers answers to those who feel that they need them to live in relative comfort. The life of an atheist is in no way sadder than the life of a buddhist, christian, or muslim. Every one of our deaths is exactly the same. The potential for sanctioned and designated heavens and rewarding destinations are exciting concepts, but i would stress the importance of our present lives over what will forever remain uncertain. The celebration of life and the tribute to a loved one is hopefully the essence of a funeral. I would hope that concept exceeds all borders of faith and participation in an organization such as the church. We are all made of the same things and we die very similarly. Ceremony is subjective.

w.w. on December 5, 2005 at 1:40 pm said:

Religion serves as supreme consolation, it offers answers to those who feel that they need them to live in relative comfort. The life of an atheist is in no way sadder than the life of a buddhist, christian, or muslim. Every one of our deaths is exactly the same. The potential for sanctioned and designated heavens and rewarding destinations are exciting concepts, but i would stress the importance of our present lives over what will forever remain uncertain. The celebration of life and the tribute to a loved one is hopefully the essence of a funeral. I would hope that concept exceeds all borders of faith and participation in an organization such as the church. We are all made of the same things and we die very similarly. Ceremony is subjective.